Tribal identity

“While benefiting from affirmative action in some cases, Adivasis or indigenous people in India also feel the claustrophobic confines of their identity which has been imposed on them by others, be it the colonial administrator, the colonial anthropologist, the missionary or the neo-liberal, neo-imperialist forces that rule global economy today.” – Santali poet, scholar and translator Ivy Imogene Hansdak  in “Is tribal identity relevant in today’s world?”, Inaugural Speech, National Conference “Tribes In Transition-II: Reaffirming Indigenous Identity Through Narrative” (2017)
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=23032

Community-based initiatives in search of collaborative partnerships: Digital audiovisual archives facilitated by Adivasi Academy at Tejgadh – Gujarat

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DIGITAL COMMUNITY ARCHIVES FOR VERNACULAR MUSICS: CASES FROM INDIA Aditi Deo (University of Oxford) | Read the full article here >> […] This article draws upon ethnographic research in small towns in north India with local small-scale initiatives to archive oral vernacular musics—musics described as folk and tribal. It explores the varied ways in which digital audiovisual … Read more

Acknowledging indigenous peoples’ stewardship: Contributions to earth’s biodiversity – Cultural Survival

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It is no coincidence that 80 percent of the earth’s biodiversity is found on Indigenous lands. It is because of Indigenous people’s stewardship and relationship with the environment. | Read the full text here: https://www.culturalsurvival.org/issues >> However, governments in Indigenous Peoples’ homelands and multinational corporations too often violate Indigenous Peoples’ rights by operating in their territories without … Read more

Video channel “Kaathadi” & Educational exhibition “Makkala Keeche” (Children’s Pockets): Success stories from Vidyodaya in Gudalur – Tamil Nadu

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On March 17th, an education exhibition called “Makkala Keeche” (Children’s Pockets) was organized at Vidyodaya school. We saw children taking ownership to present their exhibits on Science and Maths, their paintings and craft items and some elements of Adivasi culture. More than 200 people visited the exhibition including parents and alumni. (From the left: Row … Read more

Discussing scholarly publications with the tribal communities concerned: “Madias are not Gonds”

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From the report by Nandini Bedi and Erik de Maaker based on 14 December 2008 discussions including Lalsu, a member of the Madia community: […] The Madias, like the Baigas see the Gonds as their kings or rulers. […] When Nandini questioned the group saying that even scholars like Deogaonkar who had lived amongst them … Read more

Comics “a natural step then for me to be able to better portray myself”: Creating an awareness that Indigenous people should be involved – Anishinaabe people (USA)

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Elizabeth LaPensée didn’t see Indigenous people portrayed accurately in comics, so she wrote her own When she was a little girl playing video games and reading comics, Elizabeth LaPensée didn’t see herself reflected. So, she resolved to change that. LaPensée, who is Anishinaabe and Métis,  is a professor in the department of media and information at Michigan State University. She … Read more